Context and Publication Details
This paper titled "Housing for highly mobile transnational professionals: evolving forms of housing practices in Moscow and London" is authored by Sabina Maslova and published in the journal Mobilities by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. The paper addresses the challenges faced by highly mobile transnational professionals in finding suitable housing in rapidly changing urban environments, focusing on two contrasting global cities—Moscow and London.
Background on Housing Needs
The article notes that most contemporary housing forms are designed primarily for settled populations, leaving mobile groups, particularly highly skilled professionals, inadequately served by existing housing markets. Based on 65 semi-structured interviews with migrants from Western countries residing in Moscow and London, the study identifies three main factors influencing housing demands for these groups: the need for economic flexibility, time-related housing limitations due to travel patterns, and expectations for comfort and community despite a transient lifestyle.
Economic Flexibility
One significant finding is that economic considerations heavily influence housing choices. Highly mobile professionals often prefer shared housing options over individual rentals to manage high housing costs effectively. This trend is evident in both cities but manifests differently: in Moscow, younger migrants in their 20s to early 30s predominantly share accommodations, while in London, even older professionals engage in house-sharing to reduce expenses and enhance social support networks.
Temporal Limitations
The study highlights that temporal constraints significantly shape housing practices for transnational professionals. Many of these individuals experience intermittent mobility, leading to a preference for flexible housing arrangements, such as short-term rentals and sublets. In London, arrangements like Monday-to-Friday sublets are becoming increasingly popular, allowing professionals to avoid long commutes while managing work commitments effectively. This contrasts with Moscow, where the housing market is less flexible, often requiring long-term rental contracts even for transient residents.
Requirements for Quality Housing
Additionally, the paper emphasizes the importance of physical and functional dimensions of housing. Highly mobile professionals often seek high-quality living spaces with access to amenities, prioritizing comfort and convenience. Migrants expressed a need for specific features such as individual bathrooms in shared accommodations, reflecting a shift in housing demands that accommodates their unique lifestyles.
Conclusion and Implications
The findings of this research underscore the need for housing markets in global cities to adapt to the changing realities of transnational living. The study calls attention to the significant yet often overlooked housing needs of highly skilled migrants and advocates for more research into flexible housing solutions that cater to this demographic. The implications of the paper extend beyond Moscow and London, suggesting a broader relevance for cities across Europe grappling with similar challenges in housing sustainability and adaptability in the face of increasing transnational mobility.